I have an XR Outlook(2007), and today I took it in for service(the regular - water leaks and wiper recall). They gave me a 2008 XE as a loaner(they are good about doing as much as they can for customers). I thought, "Wow, a 2008 - I can hardly wait to drive it!". Well, as an old commercial used to say - "There's a definite difference in Delsie". I had wondered about the sales pitch the rep. gave us when we were trying to decide which model to buy - "You'll feel the better ride and 'sense' the difference". (yeah, right!) Well, I was blown away - the XE is rougher, noisier, a lot less comfortable, and you feel the bumps more. Now I know we made the right decision to get the XR - money well spent!

I have an XR Outlook(2007), and today I took it in for service(the regular - water leaks and wiper recall). They gave me a 2008 XE as a loaner(they are good about doing as much as they can for customers). I thought, "Wow, a 2008 - I can hardly wait to drive it!". Well, as an old commercial used to say - "There's a definite difference in Delsie". I had wondered about the sales pitch the rep. gave us when we were trying to decide which model to buy - "You'll feel the better ride and 'sense' the difference". (yeah, right!) Well, I was blown away - the XE is rougher, noisier, a lot less comfortable, and you feel the bumps more. Now I know we made the right decision to get the XR - money well spent!

It even gets better, drive a Buick Enclave...

...2006 Black VUE Red Line - Now running iOS 11

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well I guess I am glad I never test drove an XR then. I just bought a 2008 XE, upgrading from a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The ride difference between the Jeep and the Outlook was like night and day. I guess I am glad I didn't test drive an XR, because then I might not love my XE as much as I do.

I guess the suspension is different in the XR from the XE????

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I have an XR Outlook(2007), and today I took it in for service(the regular - water leaks and wiper recall). They gave me a 2008 XE as a loaner(they are good about doing as much as they can for customers). I thought, "Wow, a 2008 - I can hardly wait to drive it!". Well, as an old commercial used to say - "There's a definite difference in Delsie". I had wondered about the sales pitch the rep. gave us when we were trying to decide which model to buy - "You'll feel the better ride and 'sense' the difference". (yeah, right!) Well, I was blown away - the XE is rougher, noisier, a lot less comfortable, and you feel the bumps more. Now I know we made the right decision to get the XR - money well spent!

I am surprised that you felt that much difference. Without the touring package, there isn't any difference between the suspension calibration of XR and XE. I drove an XR for a full week and I have an XE. Didn't feel any difference in ride quality and noise...

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I just visited the Saturn dealer this a.m. They had several 09's on the lot, both XR and XE. Both had exactly the same wheels/tires, 18". The touring package now upgrades to 20" but I thought the standard wheels would be different for XR vs. XE.

It was reported earlier in the year that the XR would come standard with the 19" wheels that were part of the touring package in 08. Guess not.

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As said, there is NO difference between an XE or XR with the same 18" wheels and tires, as both are identical in insulation, suspension, etc.

Of course, like any car, some will feel different--even quite a bit so--depending on various things like tire pressure. Or, as possible with the XR, if you have the 19" wheels, there's a considerable difference in the ride/handling feel as compared to standard.

But honestly, zero of zero difference, aside from imagination and maybe tire pressure. Another might also be upholstery, as heavier materials like the leather vs. the cloth also absorb another hair of noise, so maybe that too. But nothing else.

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This is somewhat related. I am a new member as I am looking at purchasing a Saturn Outlook. I have identified 2 to go see and test drive. One is an XE AWD the other is an XR .. as far as I can tell they are pretty close to being equipped with the same options.. I believe even the tire size is the same.. they are both 2007 models.

This is what the salemen for the XE sent me:
" The saturn outlook is a metallic gold exterior ,8 passenger XE AWD, with DVD player and features such as electronic dual zone climate control. Both the first and second row seats do have interior roof pull handles and side running boards can be attached if you so desire (** I asked about this as I have a teen with physical disability **) .The vehicle comes equipped with power windows,locks, mirrors,cruise ,abs and traction control."

So the asking price for the 2007 XE is $27,895 (71,000 kms) ..
go to: toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-2007-Saturn-Outlook-XR-57-993-Kms-Certified-E-Tested-W0QQAdIdZ172886543

the 2007 XR (58,000 kms) is asking $28,988 : Lists many many features and options:
Go to toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-2007-Saturn-Outlook-XR-57-993-Kms-Certified-E-Tested-W0QQAdIdZ172886543

Kinda not sure what would be the better vehicle .. of course I have to test drive .. but can anyone share their opinion on this to a prospective Saturn buyer !!

THANKS!!

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